Dang Darbar

One of the most delightful districts of Gujarat is the area
known as The Dangs. Located high in the Saputara Hills, adjoining the
borders of Maharashtra State , Dangs is the home of adivasis who
have lived in the forests and highlands of the Dangs region from time
immemorial. The most important town is Ahwa, 2000 feet above sea level.
Higher still is village of Don, which is 3560 feet above sea level. Nearby
is Saputara which may be called Gujarat's hill station. The climate here
is cool and pleasant. The resident adivasis derive their livelihood from
the forests which are rich in timber, honey, wax and lac. Many wild
animals live in the forests including tigers, chital, bears, pigs , and
deer. There are numerous snakes in the district, including cobras and
pythons.

The tribal people make up three-fourths of the population.
The men wear a loincloth, a waistcoat and a colourfull cloth wrapped
around the head. Women wear a sari and a blouse, embellished with numerous
silver ornaments of which they are very fond.
The Darbor today attracts merchants from as far away as Nasik, Surat and West
Khandesh. Folk dances enliven the fair during the
few days it lasts. The Education Department organises folk dances, ras and
garba programmes, songs and dramas.

The Dangs Darbar

The Dangs Darbar is the name of the annual fair held in
Ahwa every year, a few days before Holi. The name 'Darbar' dates back to
the time of the British, when a darbar of Rajas and Naiks of neighbouring
areas used to assemble there. Today it is also called the Jamabandi Darbar,
and the District Collector officiates at it. Thousands of tribal people
flock to Ahwa from all over the district, gaily dressed in lively
colours, sounding the shehnai and beating their drums.

Excursion

Within easy reach of Ahwa by road are Surat (155 kms) a
busy industrial city with historic associations ; the part of Daman (149
kms ) once a Portuguese colony ; Sanjan, where the Parsis first landed in
Indian, and many well-known of Gujarat. The city of Mumbai can be reached
from here with in few hours.